Cuttack: The ceremonial initiation of slicing of logs for chariots to be used during the annual Rath Yatra at Puri began at the saw mill in Khapuria in Cuttack. This year Rath Yatra falls on July 4.

Traditionally, the logs which are brought from forests in Nayagarh reach the Rath Khala (Chariot making ground) before Saraswati Puja.

Then the woods are sent to Government saw mill at Khapuria for slicing on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. The wood will be used to build the three chariots of Jagannath and Balabhadra and Subhadra.

Usually, logs of dhaura, phasi, asana, simili are used in the construction of the gigantic wooden chariots.

The construction work of chariots will begin in Puri on Akshaya Tirtiya by carpenters. Traditionally, on Akshaya Tritiya, three logs of soura wood are consecrated and the carpenters begin their work after a series of rituals and special ceremonies known as ‘ratha anukula’ conducted by temple servitors.